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Depression

Aim

To explore discussion of mental health concerns with a patient in a sensitive and appropriate manner.

Background

Depression is a serious illness, and one of the most common of all mental health problems. Around one million adults in Australia live with depression each year. One in five people experiences depression at some stage of their lives. Depression has serious effects on both physical and mental health, and can lead to risk-taking behaviours, substance abuse, and suicide.

Depression can often go undiagnosed, as patients may not identify their symptoms as relating to their mental health and therefore do not seek medical attention. Mental health can be stigmatised, causing people to feel shame and reject a diagnosis. Cultural differences can also affect people’s attitudes to depression and mental illness.

Video

Watch this video of a doctor exploring a patient’s mental health, and see how he redirects the discussion from the patient’s opening statement towards a tentative diagnosis of depression.

Activities

Choose an activity from the menu on the right to find language and communication activities for this case.